Aakash Chopra predicts that the chances of South Africa qualifying for the 2024 T20 World Cup semi-finals are slim. He sees England and West Indies as the teams qualifying to the semis leaving the Proteas behind.
South Africa, England, and West Indies are in Group 2 of the Super 8s along with the United States of America. Group 1 features India, Australia, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.
What Aakash Chopra Said
Aakash Chopra said in the YouTube video posted on his channel that England and WI are likely to qualify for the semis.
He commented,
“Who do I feel will qualify from this group? One I feel is Team England, the defending champions. The second I feel is the West Indies. I see these two teams progressing. I feel South Africa might just fall short. The USA can also fall decently short. You might see the West Indies, England, India and Australia as the four teams in the final four.”
While acknowledging the SA team Aakash Chopra also expressed that they might not be that effective away from the New York pitches.
He added,
“South Africa is a gun team. They are playing very well. They were a king until they were in New York but have now come out from there. There will be a lot of focus on Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj.”
SA won their first three group stage matches in New York along with a nail-biting last-minute win against Nepal. They will next face USA and WI in the Super 8s clash.
Aakash Chopra on West Indies
Aakash Chopra announced WI and England as the dangerous sides.
He commented,
“West Indies are a dangerous team. This team has depth both in batting and bowling. I see England as a very dangerous team because they have that kind of batting, that kind of depth. Bowling is okay, okay but no one can match their batting. They are actually very explosive and they have the depth.”
“Then comes the USA, who have punched above their weight already. It’s possible that when they reach the Super Eights here, they might not be able to cause those sorts of upsets because the conditions now will not be that bowler-friendly.”
The USA shocked the fans and experts by snatching away the win from Pakistan in the Super Over. They also defeated Canada and a washed out match against Ireland secured their Super 8s spot along with India.